Overview

The mysterious and remote Dolpo region was completely closed to tourists until 1989 but has always been a popular pilgrimage locations for spiritual locals looking to enjoy stunning mountain scenery. Nestled between the Tibetan Plateau and the Dhaulagiri Range, the native people are mostly of mysterious Tibetan origins and have had little contact with western development and travelers. The range is home to a wide range of natural beauty combining highlights of the plateau and Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and timeless mountain passes and valleys draped in the beautiful green vegetation of the lower altitudes. We will spot a wide range of indigenous animals including the musk deer, tradition blue sheep, a wide range of birds and potentially the elusive snow leopard. This is an ideal trek for those looking to enjoy a wide range of natural beauty, remote religious sites, beautiful lakes and authentic interactions with local culture

Trip Facts

Destnation:Nepal

Activities:Trekking

Duration:21 + Days

Region:Other

Best Season:Spring / Summer / Autumn

Group Size:02+ Pax

Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon your arrival to the airport, you will be greeted by the friendly Good Karma Trekking staff who will escort you to your accommodation in Kathmandu. After settling in and exploring the streets of Thamel, we will arrange a special welcome diner featuring local specialties to introduce you to the city and the Good Karma team.

Day 2Kathmandu Sightseeing

Today we will take a tour featuring the highlights of Kathmandu including several UNESCO world heritage sites such as Durbar Square and Pashupati temple before visiting Sqayambhunath, and Buddha Nath, which is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. After lunch, we will hold a briefing with your trekking guide addressing any questions or concerns you may have about your trip.

Day 3Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

We will take a scenic mountain flight over the beautiful Himalayas to the border town of Nepalgunj. This subtropical town is known as a major trading center near the Indian border and is home to an excellent cultural blend with mixed architecture and heritage.

Day 4Fly to Juphal and trek to Dunai

We will take another scenic mountain path arriving in Juphal to meet our trekking team before beginning our trek. We start along a trail leading along a peaceful section of the Barbung Khola River making for an enjoyable morning hike. After a picnic lunch, we will continue along the relatively flat path and arrive in Dunai during the late afternoon taking time to chat with locals to learn more about the local culture and customs.

Day 5Trek to Ankhe

The trail moves along a suspension bridge before passing through the green Thulo Bheri Valley known for its scenic ridge views. We then continue along a canyon that brings us through several small villages of tradition farmers grazing their cattle and goats. We then arrive in the town of Rahagaon, which is home to the Thakuri people and is known for its traditional gompa. The trail continues along another canyon leading through a dense forest before arriving in Ankhe where we will make camp for the night.

Day 6Trek to Sulighat

We continue along an up and down trail moving along the river before entering a forest with a wide range of seasonal flowers and greenery. After passing by a series of rivers we continue to stone staircase leading down to the river before passing along a rock trail to Ryajik Village where we will make camp under the beautiful Himalayan stars.

Day 7Trek to Phoksundo Lake

We continue along the river before we switch trails and head towards the timeless Phoksumdo Lake. After passing through another cedar forest, we move past the town of Palam on the way to a scenic ridge offering views of the crystal clear glacial lake. We will stop to admire one of Nepal’s tallest natural waterfalls before exploring the lake and making camp during the night.

Day 8Rest day at Phoksundo Lake

We will take a full day to appreciate the natural beauty of the turquoise lake taking time to travel to a few particularly scenic locations to enjoy both lake and mountain views. The lake is often considered sacred as serves as a pilgrimage location for spiritual travelers making the traditional journey to the small temples around the lake.

Day 9Trek to Phoksundo Khola

We start our journey following the lake to a rocky ledge leading to a difficult trail, which uses a traditional pegging system to allow hikers to move along the path. We then move through a scenic meadow leading to the Phoksundo Khola Valley where we will continue through the marsh to find a dry area to make camp for the evening.

Day 10Trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang

The trail passes through a timeless glacial valley leading north to a peaceful mountain stream where we will cross an old wooden bridge situated north east of the valley. We will then cross a rocky area without the use of a fixed trail before crossing a stream heading to a traditional sheep-grazing field situated below a ravine. We then take a steep but scenic ascent offering views of the Kang La Pass on the way to camp to enjoy a scenic sunset.

Day 11Trek to Shey Gompa and Kang La Pass

After an early breakfast, we take a strenuous climb passing along an ancient glacial formation leading up to the Kagmara la Pass. We will stop to enjoy the panoramic views while trying to spot the elusive blue sheep of the region before descending to Shey Gompa to visit the local monks during the evening.

Day 12Rest Day at Shey Gompa

We will take a full day to rest at Shey Gompa making a trip to visit the local lama in his red hermitage in Tsakang. The hermitage is home to many spiritual locals wishing to learn more about the traditional Buddhist practices and philosophy from an authentic lama. We then continue to a scenic vantage point offering views of the unusual Crystal Mountain and its winding quartz cliffs. We then return to camp for a traditional meal before resting for the night.

Day 13Trek to Namduna Gaun

We begin with a relaxing descent along a canyon meandering through barren rock formations leading to the Saldang Pass situated at 5,200 meters. The trail then takes us through a traditional nomadic region home to many grazing cattle and sheep leading to Namduna Gaon. The tiny town home to only 6 traditional stone houses is known for its traditional agriculture and red and white stupa.

Day 14Trek to Saldang

The trail follows up a slope passing through a barren mountain region making for a strenuous morning of unorganized hiking. We then reach a scenic plateau home to excellent views of the surrounding scenery. We arrive in the Inner Dolpo town of Saldang that serves as a traditional trading town for the region. We will spend the night exploring the local market and chatting with locals before returning to camp for the night.

Day 15Trek to Yangze Gompa

The trail continue North to a remote region seldom visited by travelers. We move along the banks of the Nang Chu River through barren wilderness past the small settlements of Lurigaon and Tiling. After crossing a river we can take time to explore the ancient Bon-Po Monastery to see the unaltered religious ceremonies before finishing the day at Yangze.

Day 16Trek to Sibu

We have the option of following the long traditional village trail or the shorter and easier trail along the river to Sibu. Depending on your energy and preference, either route is acceptable and will lead us through traditional agriculture fields, mani walls and a local monastery on the way to Sibu. Along the way we have to option to explore the agricultural village of Namdo situated peacefully on a sloping hill before making camp for the night.

Day 17Trek to Jeng La Phedi

After catching an early morning sunrise we will continue along the Nam Khong Khola River entering traditional yak grazing pastures before heading east along a steep path leading to the scenic Jeng La Pass where will we rest for the night enjoying the local panoramic views during the evening.

Day 18Trek to Tokyu Gaon

We climb to reach the Jeng La Pass situated at a height of over 5,000 meters and home to timeless views of the Himalayan giants looming in the distance. We then move toward the Tarap valley on a pleasant and relaxed path through the lush greenery before arriving in Tokyu gong to visit the Chaiba Monastery.

Day 19Trek to Dho Tarap

Following the trail eastward, we enter a riverside valley home to a traditional marsh serving as the home to the spiritual local people. We then continue our walk through the relatively flat marsh to the town of Dho Tarap known for its large defensive stonewall and Tibetan ethnic groups.

Day 20Rest Day at Dho Tarap

We will spend a day resting for the strenuous climbs to come while exploring the local scenery. You have the option of taking a hike to a particularly scenic location offering timeless views of the valley below.

Day 21Trek to Tarap Khola

We continue towards the barren landscape in the valley continuing to a gorge before stopping for a picnic lunch near the river. This area is the home to a wide range of animals including musk deer and blue sheep. The trail takes us along the river to a large meadow known as Kamakharka where we will make camp under the peaceful star filled sky.

Day 22Trek to Khanigaon

After an early breakfast, we will descend along a gorge that gradually narrows and makes for a challenging and fun hike with no fixed path. As this area is underdeveloped, we may need to create our own path through the rivers as many bridges have washed away during the monsoon season, which will allow us to get creative during our hike. Finally, we reach our destination beside the Tarap Valley and camp in a region known as Khanigaon.

Day 23Trek to Tarakot

The path begins with a difficult and steep climb along a slippery cliff. We will take plenty of time to make our ascent before crossing a series of traditional bridges before entering a valley that makes for a relaxing walk to Tarakot where will learn more about the local lifestyle of the ancient fort town.

Day 24Trek to Dunai

The trail continues along a peaceful section of the Barbung Khola River making for an enjoyable morning hike. After a picnic lunch, we will continue along the relatively flat path and arrive in Dunai during the late afternoon.

Day 25Trek to Jpuhai

On our last day of trekking, we continue along the river making several stops to admire the local scenery and culture. Upon arrival in Juphal, we will spend some time chatting with locals before celebrating the end of our trek during the evening.

Day 26Return to Kathmandu

We will take 2 mountain flights first to Nepalgunj then to Kathmandu arriving with plenty of time to enjoy the backpacker haven of Thamel in the afternoon. You may also take some time to do some souvenir shopping at the countless stores offering traditional Nepalese products and handicrafts before taking some well-deserved rest at the hotel.

Day 27Free day in Kathmandu

Today is a leisure day to spend relaxing or traveling to additional places of interest in the bustling capital city. Relax with a coffee and massage or visit some local temples before joining the Good Karma Trekking staff for a celebratory cultural dinner with traditional food, music and dancing to make sure you get the most our of your trip to Nepal.

Day 28Departure

Today, a Member of the Good Karma team will escort you to the airport for your flight. After saying our farewells you will continue on your journey with fond memories of you adventure in Nepal.

Includes

Airport pick up & Transfer to hotel

Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on BB basis (Tourist Standard Hotel to Five Star deluxe Hotel in Kathmandu as you prefer)

Government license holder Trekking Guide.

Trekking porter /Sherpa who will carry your bag pack during the trekking.

Three time meal during the trekking Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Tea house , Lodge, Tent accommodation as per the requirement.

Trekker’s Information Management system (TIMS)

Conservation area fee & all essential permits as per Nepal Government rule.

Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, Good Karma Trekking duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)&( optionally if you have your own bags, down jackets and wants to use your own you are free to bring them)

Trip Note

Travellers Reviews

From the moment we stepped outside Kathmandu airport we knew we were in good hands. Raj and his professional team had taken care of everything. Our trek to Everest Base Camp is one we will remember for a long time. From accomodation, to meals, guide and porters. Everything went smoothly. Even the tricky weather in Lukla didn't hold us up too much. The tour of Kathmandu was great and we especially enjoyed the opening dinner that Raj planned for us.

I highly recommend Good Karma Trekking.

We are planing to return to Nepal and trek the Annapurna Circuit. We will definitely book with Raj and Good Karma Trekking again.

Best travel agency, very helpful and friendly staff. They offer great possibilities for trekking, excursions, help take care of all permits. Great company, wonderful trip, friendship for life. I would recommend!

Booked my first trip to Nepal with Good Karma after some recommendations on Tripadvisor. From my first email I was impressed with the level of attention I received and how flexible they were (something I couldn't get with several other other companies I and contacted). Had a great trip including sightseeing in Kathmandu and trekking to Everest base camp, and everything went extremely smoothly (except for the weather). Just returned from my second trip there and already planning my third. Its an amazing country, and Raj and the Good Karma team made it a great experience. Happy to answer any questions people have.

Kind, attentive, honest, dedicated attention is awaiting on your travels with Good Karma. I went to the Everest Base Camp(14 days), Bhutan (4 days) and the Chitwan game preserve (3 days) with them and was very well treated at a great price.

I have traveled in many countries, but my experience in Nepal was special, thanks to Raj and his team who organized the exceptional way to all desired goals in this expedition which I had in Nepal and Tibet this autumn. I hope with all my heart to revisit again because I really miss Nepal. I started learning Hindi language since a few days.

So, Raj, Biji, I feel like I will visit you again! There are a lot of places that I have not seen yet! GOOD KARMA TREKKING is the best Agency for me!

Raj was knowledgeable and more than accommodating during our travels. We used Good Karma Trekking to book a trek to Annapurna, do white water rafting, and visit the elephants. It was one of the best trips I've had in my life and I've been to over 50 countries now. I would strongly recommend them to anyone who is traveling to Nepal and seeking a professional and friendly travel agency

BOOKING WITH KARMA: I booked a one-person tour to the Annapurna Circuit during the off season in August. During my inquiries with various trekking companies, Raj from Good Karma replied promptly and was always making sure that my needs were met before, during and after the trek. He was very flexible with whatever mode of transportation I desired to use even if it was just a couple of days in advance (including a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu with two days notice) . THE TOUR: The tour itself was amazing. True, the Annapurna Circuit can be done with no guide. But Raj provide me with none other than a Sherpa guide would allowed for easy communication with locals and got the best rooms and meals in all the lodges. He also knew where the shortcuts are and made sure my safety was a priority (specially with altitude sickness). TRANSPORTATION : Always keep in mind that Nepal is not the most developed nation in terms of infrastructure and road systems. I highly recommend getting a private vehicle. The drivers that Raj provides are some of the best I've seen even though they drive like maniacs. I felt relatively safe compared to a tourist bus/local bus. These are worse and the safety standards are very low OVERALL: I highly recommend this tour company. Make sure you communicate with Raj constantly so he knows what your needs are.

Had an unforgettable experience trekking the Annapurna Circuit with Good Karma in 2012. Nabraj and his team are knowledgable, passionate and great hosts, and are genuine in providing the best experience possible. They went above and beyond to cater to our interests and provided outstanding hospitality. Nabraj has become a good friend since, we are regularly in touch and I look forward to joining Good Karma on a trek again soon!

I worked with Good Karma Trekking a few years ago when they organized a trip through Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan for me and a group of almost 30 people. They were the best choice for our trip. The hotels they booked, the accommodation, the vehicles used for our transportation were all top class. Raj and his team really know their country (and the neighboring countries) and are able to custom made programs that suit each and every individual on a group, no matter the size. We particularly enjoyed the trips around Kathmandu valley, up to Nagarkot, down in the jungle in Chitwan and resting at the foot of Anapurna in Pokhara. Raj even organized some trips that were not in the initial schedule and which were greatly appreciated - for instance the visit to Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu.

I was also on the group that took a tour of Tibet with Good Karma Trekking. Everything went smooth, from crossing the border into China to altering the program so we could stay at a lower altitude when some of our colleagues felt sick.

For all of us on that trip Raj also became a good friend and we kept in touch ever since.

Whenever I hear someone thinking of visiting Nepal I always recommend Good Karma Trekking. I am also sure that next time myself and any other member of the group would want to go to the Himalayan region Good Karma Trekking would be our first choice.

I went on a one month trip to Nepal with Good Karma Trekking, and I must say it was really amazing! Well worth the time and the cost of traveling there! Part of what made my experience so wonderful was the guide that I had. His name is Raj Ghimire, and he is the sole proprietor of GOOD KARMA TREKKING LTD. He is a truly honest guy, with a very kind heart, and I believe that he would give you the BEST Nepal experience, no matter where in the country you want to travel. When my friends and I were over there, he treated us like family (no, I'm not exaggerating), and I still stay in touch with him. His rates are GREAT too! And if you need porters, tea house reservations, or a personal driver to show you Kathmandu or Chitwan Park, he did ALL of these arrangements for us.

This was literally the best experience I've had with a travel company anywhere in the world. They are efficient, culturally smart and very friendly. They even went out of their way to help with issues that were not necessarily part of our contract. I will definitely trust them to organize any trip for me in the future.

Good Karma organized everything for my trip including city tours, travel, hotels and trekking. They were very professional and helpful creating a trip that included what i wanted to see and not just the standard itinerary. The owner Raj even helped bargain for lower prices on souvenirs and trekking equipment while i was in Kathmandu. He also showed me some of his favorite restaurants and some of the local specialties and offered me some wild honey from his home town. The trek went great and the guide was very knowledgeable about the trails and flora and fauna of the himalayas. I have done a trip with abovethehimalays before and the service and price of Good Karma was much better. I would suggest this company to anyone looking for an authentic experience.

We had a great experience with Good Karma Trekking in Kathmandu, Nepal. Raj, the owner of the company, was very helpful. He has an excellent knowledge about the Kathmandu area, and generally about Nepal. He is more than a usual travel agency, passionate about his work, and about promoting the Nepal sights. I am sure that we will use his services again when we return to Nepal, hopefully soon.

I met Raj in Kathmandu through a mutual friend and I've been amazed by his hospitality and generosity. They gave me all the informations I needed about the transportation, treks and more! Thank you for your kindness and your support and I really hope to meet you again! Cheers

I used Good Karma Trekking for a first trip to Nepal in Nov 2011 and from the moment of contact the trip went very smoothly. I would highly recommend this company and would be happy to be contacted independently to provide a review.